VIBRATION DEVICE AND OPTICAL DETECTION APPARATUS

Abstract

 A vibrating device with reduced leakage and damping of vibration is provided.
A vibrating device 1 of the present invention includes a vibrating element 2, a support 15, and a connecting member 14. The vibrating element 2 includes a vibrating body 3 that is tubular and has a first opening end surface 3a and a second opening end surface 3b. The support 15 extends in an axial direction and supports the vibrating body 3, the axial direction being a direction connecting the first opening end surface 3a and the second opening end surface 3b of the vibrating body 3. The connecting member 14 connects the vibrating body 3 and the support 15 to each other. The vibrating body 3 vibrates in a breathing vibration mode such that a first node and a second node are generated on the vibrating element 2 at different positions in the axial direction. The connecting member 14 is positioned between the first node and the second node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibrating device and an optical detection apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Vibrating devices have been used in various applications, for example, as a device for removing raindrops or the like that have adhered to an optical detection apparatus serving as a surveillance apparatus, or as an acoustic device. When in use, the vibrating device is fixed to, for example, an external device. To reduce leakage or damping of vibration, the vibrating device is often fixed to an external object at a node.

[0003] Patent Document 1 given below describes an example of a support structure of a piezoelectric vibrator. This support structure includes a cylindrical support provided on a lateral surface of a cylindrical piezoelectric vibrator that vibrates in a breathing vibration mode. The support has a length of λ(2n+1)/4 so that the support has a node at an end thereof, and the end of the support is fixed to an external object.

Citation List

Patent Document

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 62-254667

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

[0005] Since no displacement occurs at the node during vibration, leakage and damping of the vibration can be prevented when the vibrating device is supported at the node. However, in practice, it is very difficult to accurately support the vibrating device at the node. Therefore, in practice, the vibrating device is supported at a position near the node. Displacement that occurs during the vibration increases with increasing distance from the node. Therefore, when the vibrating device is supported at a position shifted from the node, leakage of the vibration from a portion that supports the vibrating device and damping of the vibration cannot be easily reduced.

[0006] During the vibration in the breathing vibration mode, a portion around the node receives rotation moment about the node. Therefore, even when the end of the support, at which the node exists, is connected to the external object as described in Patent Document 1, the rotation moment about the node is also applied to the external object. Therefore, it is difficult to sufficiently reduce leakage and damping of the vibration.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a vibrating device and an optical detection apparatus with reduced leakage and damping of vibration.

Solution to Problem

[0008] A vibrating device according to the present invention includes a vibrating element, a support, and a connecting member. The vibrating element includes a vibrating body that is tubular and has a first opening end surface and a second opening end surface. The support extends in an axial direction and supports the vibrating body, the axial direction being a direction connecting the first opening end surface and the second opening end surface of the vibrating body. The connecting member connects the vibrating body and the support to each other. The vibrating body vibrates in a breathing vibration mode such that a first node and a second node are generated on the vibrating element at different positions in the axial direction. The connecting member is positioned between the first node and the second node.

[0009] An optical detection apparatus according to the present invention includes the vibrating device structured in accordance with the present invention and an optical detection element disposed such that the lid body of the vibrating device covers a detection region of the optical detection element.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a vibrating device and an optical detection apparatus with reduced leakage and damping of vibration can be provided.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] 

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a vibrating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vibrating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of an imaging device including the vibrating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 illustrates vibration of the vibrating device and the position of a connecting member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is an element vector diagram illustrating the vibration of the vibrating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a graph showing the vibrational displacement in radial and axial directions at each position on the vibrating body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the position of the connecting member on a support and the displacement of a bottom portion of the support.

[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is an element vector diagram of a vibrating element with an inter-node distance of L+1 mm.

[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is an element vector diagram of a vibrating element with an inter-node distance of L-0.5 mm.

[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is an element vector diagram of a vibrating element with an inter-node distance of L+20 mm.

[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a graph showing the vibrational displacement in the axial direction at each position on the vibrating body when the inter-node distance is L+1 mm.

[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a graph showing the vibrational displacement in the axial direction at each position on the vibrating body when the inter-node distance is L-0.5 mm.

[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a graph showing the vibrational displacement in the axial direction at each position on the vibrating body when the inter-node distance is L+20 mm.

[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 illustrates vibration of a vibrating device according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a vibrating device according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a schematic plan view of a vibrating device according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a vibrating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a vibrating device according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a support according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a support according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a support according to a first modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a support according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of a support according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 24] Fig. 24 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of a support according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[0012] The present invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] It is to be noted that each of the embodiments described in this specification is illustrative, and partial replacements and combinations of the structures of different embodiments are possible.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a vibrating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vibrating device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] A vibrating device 1 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 vibrates to remove raindrops and foreign matter from a field of view of an image pickup device by moving the raindrops and foreign matter. The vibrating device according to the present invention may instead be applied, for example, to generate sound pressure in an ultrasonic wave sensor, a microphone, a buzzer, or the like.

[0016] The vibrating device 1 includes a vibrating element 2, a support 15 that supports the vibrating element 2, and a connecting member 14 that connects the vibrating element 2 and the support 15 to each other. More specifically, the vibrating element 2 includes a substantially cylindrical vibrating body 3. The vibrating body 3 of the vibrating element 2 and the support 15 are connected to each other by the connecting member 14. The vibrating device 1 has an interior space surrounded by the vibrating element 2, the connecting member 14, and the support 15.

[0017] Fig. 3 is an elevational cross-sectional view of an imaging device including the vibrating device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] An image pickup device 10A shown by the one-dot chain line is disposed in the interior space surrounded by the vibrating element 2, the connecting member 14, and the support 15. Thus, an imaging device 10 that serves as an optical detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed. The imaging device 10 includes the vibrating device 1 and the image pickup device 10A. The image pickup device 10A may be, for example, a CMOS, a CCD, a bolometer, or a thermopile, which receives light with wavelengths in the visible region or the farinfrared region. The imaging device 10 may be, for example, a camera, a radar, or a LIDAR device.

[0019] An optical detection element other than the image pickup device 10A that optically detects energy rays may instead be disposed in the interior space. The energy rays to be detected may be, for example, active energy rays, such as electromagnetic waves or infrared rays. The optical detection element has a detection region covered by a light transmitting body 7, which will be described below. The imaging device 10 illustrated in Fig. 3 is configured such that the field of view of the image pickup device 10A is covered by the light transmitting body 7. In this specification, the term "light-transmitting property" means the property of transmitting at least the energy rays or light with wavelengths to be detected by the above-described optical detection element.

[0020] The vibrating device 1 will now be described in detail.

[0021] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the vibrating element 2 includes the above-described vibrating body 3, the light transmitting body 7 that serves as a lid body, and a piezoelectric vibrator 8. The vibrating body 3 has a first opening end surface 3a, a second opening end surface 3b, and an outer surface 3c and an inner surface 3d that connect the first opening end surface 3a and the second opening end surface 3b. In this specification, the direction connecting the first opening end surface 3a and the second opening end surface 3b of the vibrating body 3 is referred to as an axial direction, and a direction orthogonal to the axial direction is referred to as a radial direction.

[0022] The vibrating body 3 includes a cylindrical first vibrating portion 4, a cylindrical second vibrating portion 5, and an annular joining portion 6 that connects the first vibrating portion 4 and the second vibrating portion 5. The vibrating body 3 is a tubular body in which the first vibrating portion 4, the joining portion 6, and the second vibrating portion 5 are arranged such that central axes thereof coincide. The first vibrating portion 4 includes the first opening end surface 3a of the vibrating body 3. The second vibrating portion 5 includes the second opening end surface 3b of the vibrating body 3. The shapes of the first vibrating portion 4, the second vibrating portion 5, and the joining portion 6 are not limited to the above-described shapes. The first vibrating portion 4, the second vibrating portion 5, and the joining portion 6 may have any shapes as long as they can be continuously connected to each other to form a single tubular body. The vibrating body 3 does not necessarily include the first vibrating portion 4, the second vibrating portion 5, and the joining portion 6 as long as the vibrating body 3 is tubular. The vibrating body 3 may have, for example, a substantially rectangular tubular shape.

[0023] In this specification, the terms "outer periphery" and "inner periphery" respectively mean the outer periphery and the inner periphery in plan view unless specified otherwise. The outer peripheries of the joining portion 6, the first vibrating portion 4, and the second vibrating portion 5 overlap in plan view. The inner periphery of the joining portion 6 is positioned outside the inner peripheries of the first vibrating portion 4 and the second vibrating portion 5. When a thickness in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction is referred to as a wall thickness, the wall thickness of the joining portion 6 is less than the wall thickness of the first vibrating portion 4 and the wall thickness of the second vibrating portion 5. The vibrating body 3 is formed such that the inner diameter of the joining portion 6 is greater than that of other portions.

[0024] The outer surface 3c of the vibrating body 3 is formed by connecting the outer surfaces of the first vibrating portion 4, the joining portion 6, and the second vibrating portion 5. Similarly, the inner surface 3d of the vibrating body 3 is formed by connecting the inner surfaces of the first vibrating portion 4, the joining portion 6, and the second vibrating portion 5. In the present embodiment, the inner surface 3d has a step at the position of the joining portion 6. The outer surface 3c has no steps.

[0025] The light transmitting body 7 is provided on the first opening end surface 3a of the vibrating body 3 to cover the opening. The light transmitting body 7 is a lid body having a light-transmitting property. Although the light transmitting body 7 is dome-shaped in the present embodiment, the light transmitting body 7 may instead be flat plate-shaped. The material of the light transmitting body 7 may be, for example, a plastic having a light-transmitting property, glass, or a ceramic having a light-transmitting property.

[0026] The piezoelectric vibrator 8 is provided on the second opening end surface 3b of the vibrating body 3. The portion on which the piezoelectric vibrator 8 is provided is not limited to the above-described portion. The piezoelectric vibrator 8 includes an annular piezoelectric body 8a. The piezoelectric body 8a is made of, for example, an appropriate piezoelectric ceramic, such as Pb(Zr,Ti)O₃ or (K,Na)NbO₃, or an appropriate piezoelectric single crystal, such as LiTaO₃ or LiNbO₃.

[0027] The piezoelectric vibrator 8 includes a first electrode 9a provided on one principal surface of the piezoelectric body 8a and a second electrode 9b provided on the other principal surface. The first electrode 9a and the second electrode 9b are annular and arranged to face each other. Each of the first electrode 9a and the second electrode 9b is electrically connected to an external object. Although a single annular piezoelectric vibrator 8 is provided in the present embodiment, the piezoelectric vibrator 8 is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of rectangular plate-shaped piezoelectric vibrators may be arranged along the outer surface 3c.

[0028] The first electrode 9a of the piezoelectric vibrator 8 is joined to the vibrating body 3. The piezoelectric vibrator 8 vibrates in a breathing vibration mode, thereby causing the vibrating body 3 to vibrate in the breathing vibration mode, so that a connected body including the vibrating body 3 and the light transmitting body 7 vibrates. The breathing vibration mode is a vibration mode in which displacement occurs in the radial direction of the annular piezoelectric vibrator or the tubular vibrating body. The vibrating element 2 does not necessarily include the piezoelectric vibrator 8 as long as the vibrating element 2 includes a vibrator that causes the vibrating body 3 to vibrate in the breathing vibration mode.

[0029] The above-described connecting member 14, which is annular, is connected to the outer surface 3c of the vibrating body 3. More specifically, the connecting member 14 has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the connecting member 14 is connected to the outer surface 3c of the vibrating body 3. The vibrating device 1 is configured such that the connecting member 14 extends radially outward from the outer surface 3c of the vibrating body 3. The vibrating body 3 and the connecting member 14 may be formed as an integral component. The position of the connecting member 14 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 4.

[0030] Fig. 4 illustrates vibration of the vibrating device and the position of the connecting member according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 illustrates a portion corresponding to one-half of the cross section of Fig. 1 in the radial direction.

[0031] The vibrating body 3 vibrates in the breathing vibration mode such that a first node N1 and a second node N2 are generated on the vibrating element 2 at different positions in the axial direction. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first node N1 is positioned on the vibrating body 3, and the second node N2 is positioned on the light transmitting body 7. The connecting member 14 is positioned between the first node N1 and the second node N2.

[0032] Although the vibrating body 3 vibrates in the breathing vibration mode so that two nodes are generated in the present embodiment, the vibrating body 3 may instead vibrate in the breathing vibration mode so that three or more nodes are generated. Also in such a case, the first node N1 and the second node N2 are nodes that are adjacent to each other.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 1 again, the above-described support 15 is connected to the outer surface of the connecting member 14. The support 15 includes a connecting portion 15a that is connected to the connecting member 14. The support 15 is connected to the vibrating body 3 by the connecting member 14, and supports the vibrating body 3.

[0034] The support 15 is a cylindrical body that extends in the axial direction. The shape of the support 15 is not limited to this and may instead be, for example, a rectangular tubular shape as long as the support 15 extends in the axial direction. The support 15 has an outer surface 15c and an inner surface 15d. The connecting portion 15a is positioned near an upper end of the inner surface 15d of the support 15 in Fig. 1. The support 15 and the connecting member 14 may be formed as an integral component.

[0035] The support 15 includes a bottom portion 15b including a lower end of the support 15 in Fig. 1. The vibrating device 1 is fixed to an external object at the bottom portion 15b of the support 15. Alternatively, a bottom plate may be joined to the bottom portion 15b so that a sealed space is formed by the vibrating element 2, the connecting member 14, the support 15, and the bottom plate.

[0036] The present embodiment is characterized in that the vibrating body 3 vibrates in the breathing vibration mode so that the first node and the second node are generated on the vibrating element 2 at different positions in the axial direction and that the connecting member 14 that connects the vibrating body 3 and the support 15 to each other is positioned between the first node and the second node. As a result, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 15b of the support 15 does not easily occur. Therefore, when the vibrating device 1 is fixed to an external object, damping of the vibration of the vibrating device 1 does not easily occur. This will be described in more detail below.

[0037] Fig. 5 is an element vector diagram illustrating the vibration of the vibrating device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 illustrates the same portion as that illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0038] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the vibration of the vibrating element 2 involves rotation moment in regions around the first node N1 and the second node N2. Therefore, the vibration of the vibrating element 2 includes components in the radial and axial directions. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 14 is disposed at a position at which the vibrational displacement in the axial direction is about 0 µm. In this specification, displacements are expressed as absolute values unless specified otherwise.

[0039] Fig. 6 is a graph showing the vibrational displacement in the radial and axial directions at each position on the vibrating body according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 6, the horizontal axis represents the position on the vibrating body in the axial direction. The value 0 mm on the horizontal axis represents the position of the first opening end surface of the vibrating body. In Fig. 6, the solid line shows the displacement in the axial direction, and the dashed line shows the displacement in the radial direction. The one-dot chain line A shows the position at which the connecting member is disposed, and the one-dot chain line B shows the position of the first node.

[0040] As illustrated in Fig. 6, at the position at which the connecting member 14 is disposed, the vibrational displacement in the axial direction is about 0 µm and the vibrational displacement in the radial direction is about 3.3 µm. In contrast, at the position of the first node, the vibrational displacement in the radial direction is about 0 µm and the vibrational displacement in the axial direction is about 0.5 µm.

[0041] A vibrating device having the structure of the first embodiment and a vibrating device of a comparative example including a connecting member disposed at the position of the first node were prepared. Then, the vibrating device of the first embodiment and the vibrating device of the comparative example were compared for the displacement of the bottom portion of the support. The comparison was carried out based on the displacement obtained by combining components in the radial and axial directions.

[0042] According to the comparative example, the displacement of the bottom portion of the support was about 2.4 µm. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, the displacement of the bottom portion of the support was about 0.2 µm. This shows that, according to the first embodiment, leakage of the vibration of the vibrating element to the bottom portion of the support can be reduced.

[0043] When the vibrating body vibrates in the breathing vibration mode, portions around the nodes receive rotation moment about the nodes. Therefore, when the connecting member is connected to the vibrating body at the position of the first node as in the comparative example, the connecting member receives rotation moment. In the comparative example, the position of the connecting member in the axial direction is the same as the position of the node in the axial direction. Therefore, the vibration that leaks to the connecting member due to the rotation moment has a small displacement in the width direction but has a large displacement in the axial direction. When the vibration that has leaked to the support through the connecting member has a large displacement in the axial direction, displacement of the bottom portion of the support that extends in the axial direction is also large. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion of the support. In addition, when the vibrating device is fixed to an external object at the bottom portion of the support, vibration of the bottom portion is restrained. Therefore, it is also difficult to reduce damping of the vibration.

[0044] In contrast, according to the first embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, the connecting member 14 is positioned between the first node N1 and the second node N2. The rotation moment about the first node N1 and the rotation moment about second node N2 are combined in a region between the first node N1 and the second node N2, and therefore the displacement in the axial direction is reduced. Accordingly, the vibrational displacement of the connecting member 14 in the axial direction can be effectively reduced. Even when the vibration in the radial direction is transmitted to the support 15 that extends in the axial direction, displacement of the bottom portion 15b of the support 15 does not easily occur. Therefore, leakage of the vibration of the vibrating element 2 to the bottom portion 15b of the support 15 can be reduced. In addition, since the displacement of the bottom portion 15b is very small, when the bottom portion 15b is fixed to an external object, damping of the vibration does not easily occur.

[0045] The vibrational displacement of the vibrating body 3 in the axial direction at a position at which the connecting member 14 is connected is preferably less than or equal to 90%, more preferably less than or equal to 40%, of the vibrational displacement of the vibrating body 3 in the axial direction at the position of the first node N1. Still more preferably, the displacement in the axial direction is 0 µm. In such a case, leakage and damping of the vibration can be further reduced. This will be further described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the position of the connecting member on the support and the displacement of the bottom portion of the support. The relationship shown in Fig. 7 is obtained by using the vibrating element, the connecting member, and the support according to the first embodiment and changing the position of the connecting member. In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents the position of the connecting member on the vibrating body in the axial direction. The value 0 mm on the horizontal axis represents the position of the first opening end surface of the vibrating body.

[0047] In Fig. 7, the one-dot chain line A shows the position at which the connecting member is disposed in the first embodiment. The one-dot chain line C shows the position at which the displacement of the vibrating body in the axial direction is 90% of the vibrational displacement in the axial direction at the position of the first node. The one-dot chain line D shows the position at which the displacement of the vibrating body in the axial direction is 40% of the vibrational displacement in the axial direction at the position of the first node. The two-dot chain line E shows the displacement of the bottom portion of the support when the connecting member is disposed at the position of the first node. The two-dot chain line F shows the displacement of the bottom portion of the support when the connecting member is disposed at the position shown by the one-dot chain line D.

[0048] As is clear from Fig. 7, when the connecting member 14 is disposed at the position shown by the one-dot chain line C, the displacement of the bottom portion 15b of the support 15 can be more reliably reduced. Thus, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 15b can be more reliably reduced. In addition, when the connecting member 14 is disposed at the position shown by the one-dot chain line D, as shown by the two-dot chain line E and the two-dot chain line F, the displacement of the bottom portion 15b is about 50% of that when the connecting member 14 is disposed at the position of the first node N1. Thus, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 15b can be effectively reduced. When the connecting member 14 is disposed at the position at which the displacement in the axial direction is about 0 as in the present embodiment, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 15b can be further reduced.

[0049] As described above, the vibrational displacement in the axial direction is reduced in the region between the first node N1 and the second node N2. In addition, a position at which the vibrational displacement is 0 exists between the first node N1 and the second node N2. These apply irrespective of the distance between the first node N1 and the second node N2 as described below. In this specification, the term "inter-node distance" means the distance between the first node N1 and the second node N2 unless specified otherwise.

[0050] A plurality of vibrating elements having inter-node distances different from that in the first embodiment were prepared. More specifically, when the inter-node distance is L in the first embodiment, vibrating elements having inter-node distances of L+1 mm, L-0.5 mm, and L+20 mm were prepared. The inter-node distance was changed by changing the length of the joining portion of the vibrating body in the axial direction. Then, the vibrational displacement of each vibrating element was measured.

[0051] Fig. 8 is an element vector diagram of the vibrating element with the inter-node distance of L+1 mm. Fig. 9 is an element vector diagram of the vibrating element with the inter-node distance of L-0.5 mm. Fig. 10 is an element vector diagram of the vibrating element with the inter-node distance of L+20 mm.

[0052] As is clear from Figs. 8 to 10, even when the inter-node distance is changed, the first node N1 is on the vibrating body 3 and the second node N2 is on the light transmitting body 7. This shows that, irrespective of the inter-node distance, the vibrational displacement of the light transmitting body 7 is greater than the vibrational displacement of a portion of the vibrating body 3 between the first opening end surface 3a and the first node N1. This is because the displacement caused when the light transmitting body is excited in the resonance region is expressed as the product of the displacement of the vibrating body and Qm of the light transmitting body. Here, Qm is the reciprocal of the elastic loss factor. More specifically, when the vibration generated by the piezoelectric vibrator is transmitted to the vibrating body and when the vibrating body vibrates at a resonant frequency, the vibrational displacement generated by the piezoelectric vibrator is multiplied by a factor of Qm of the vibrating body. When the amplitude of the vibration generated by the piezoelectric vibrator is 1 and Qm of the vibrating body is Qm₁, the amplitude of the vibrating body in the natural vibration mode is 1×Qm₁. When the vibration generated by the piezoelectric vibrator is transmitted to the light transmitting body through the vibrating body and when the light transmitting body vibrates at a resonant frequency, the vibrational displacement generated by the piezoelectric vibrator is additionally multiplied by a factor of Qm of the light transmitting body. When Qm of the light transmitting body is Qm₂, the amplitude of the light transmitting body in the natural vibration mode is 1×Qm₁×Qm₂. Therefore, the vibrational displacement of the vibrating body is less than the vibrational displacement of the light transmitting body during resonance. The above-described relationship is satisfied irrespective of the material of the lid body that serves as the light transmitting body or that has no light-transmitting property.

[0053] Fig. 11 is a graph showing the vibrational displacement in the axial direction at each position on the vibrating body when the inter-node distance is L+1 mm. Fig. 12 is a graph showing the vibrational displacement in the axial direction at each position on the vibrating body when the inter-node distance is L-0.5 mm. Fig. 13 is a graph showing the vibrational displacement in the axial direction at each position on the vibrating body when the inter-node distance is L+20 mm. In Figs. 11 to 13, the value 0 mm on the horizontal axis represents the position of the first opening end surface of the vibrating body.

[0054] Fig. 11 shows that, similar to the first embodiment, also when the inter-node distance is L+1 mm, the position at which the vibrational displacement in the axial direction is 0 exists between the first node N1 and the second node N2. As the position on the vibrating body 3, which is represented by the horizontal axis, approaches the position at which the vibrational displacement in the axial direction is 0, the vibrational displacement in the axial direction approaches 0. This shows that the vibrational displacement in the axial direction is small in a region between the first opening end surface 3a, at which the value on the horizontal axis is 0 mm, and the first node N1. Similarly, Figs. 12 and 13 show that, also when the inter-node distance is L-0.5 mm and L+20 mm, the position at which the vibrational displacement in the axial direction is 0 exists between the first node N1 and the second node N2. In addition, the displacement in the axial direction is small in the region between the first node N1 and the second node N2. Thus, irrespective of the inter-node distance, the position at which the vibrational displacement in the axial direction is 0 exists between the first node N1 and the second node N2, and the displacement in the axial direction is small in the region between the first opening end surface 3a and the first node N1.

[0055] In addition, as described above, the displacement of the light transmitting body 7 on which the second node N2 exists is greater than the vibrational displacement in the region between the first opening end surface 3a of the vibrating body 3 and the first node N1. Therefore, the displacement in the axial direction is small in the region between the first node N1 and the second node N2 irrespective of the inter-node distance.

[0056] Referring to Fig. 1 again, the material of the support 15 is, for example, preferably a material having spring characteristics, such as a metal material. In this case, the support 15 can be easily deformed. Accordingly, when the vibration of the vibrating element 2 is transmitted to the support 15 through the connecting member 14, a portion of the support 15 around the connecting portion 15a can be easily deformed. Therefore, displacement of the support 15 as a whole can be reduced, and displacement of the bottom portion 15b of the support 15 can be reduced accordingly. Thus, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 15b can be effectively reduced, and damping of the vibration can also be effectively reduced. In addition, when the material of the support 15 is a metal material, the rigidity of the support 15 can be increased. Therefore, not only can the above-described effects be obtained, the risk of breakage can be reduced. When the vibrating body 3 is made of a metal material, an insulating film is preferably provided between the piezoelectric vibrator 8 and the vibrating body 3.

[0057] The vibrating body 3, the connecting member 14, and the support 15 are preferably made of the same material. In this case, reflection of the vibration can be reduced, and vibration of the vibrating device 1 is not easily attenuated. More preferably, the vibrating body 3, the connecting member 14, and the support 15 are made of a metal material. In such a case, as described above, leakage and damping of the vibration can be effectively reduced. The vibrating body 3, the connecting member 14, and the support 15 may instead be made of a ceramic material.

[0058] First to third modifications of the first embodiment will now be described. According to the first to third modifications, similar to the first embodiment, leakage and damping of the vibration can be reduced.

[0059] In the first modification illustrated in Fig. 14, both the first node N1 and the second node N2 are positioned on the vibrating body 3, and the connecting member 14 is positioned between the first node N1 and the second node N2.

[0060] In the second modification illustrated in Fig. 15, a disc-shaped lid body 27 having no light-transmitting property is provided on the first opening end surface 3a of the vibrating body 3. The lid body 27 is made of, for example, a metal material or a ceramic material. The vibrating device of this modification may be applied, for example, to generate sound pressure in an ultrasonic wave sensor, a microphone, a buzzer, or the like.

[0061] In the third modification illustrated in Fig. 16, the vibrating body 3 and the support 15 are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting members 24 that are arranged with gaps therebetween in a circumferential direction around a rotational axis extending in the axial direction. In Fig. 16, the connecting members 24 are shown by cross-hatching. Each connecting member 24 has the shape of an arc of a circular ring. Similar to the first embodiment, the connecting members 24 are positioned between the first node N1 and the second node N2.

[0062] Fig. 17 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a vibrating device according to a second embodiment.

[0063] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a bottom portion 35b of a support 35 has a wall thickness greater than the wall thickness of other portions. More specifically, portions of the support 35 other than the bottom portion 35b have the same wall thickness. The bottom portion 35b extends radially outward, and the support 35 is substantially L-shaped in cross section along the axial direction. Other structures of the vibrating device of the present embodiment are the same as those of the vibrating device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0064] Since the wall thickness of portions of the support 35 other than the bottom portion 35b is less than the wall thickness of the bottom portion 35b, a portion that is closer to the connecting portion 15a than the bottom portion 35b is more easily deformed than the bottom portion 35b. Accordingly, when the vibration of the vibrating element 2 is transmitted to the support 35 through the connecting member 14, the portion that is closer to the connecting portion 15a than the bottom portion 35b is more easily deformed than the bottom portion 35b. Therefore, displacement of the support 35 as a whole can be further reduced. In addition, since the bottom portion 35b has a large wall thickness, displacement of the bottom portion 35b can be further reduced. Therefore, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 35b can be further reduced, and damping of the vibration can also be further reduced.

[0065] The direction in which the bottom portion 35b of the support 35 extends is not limited to the radially outward direction. In a modification of the second embodiment illustrated in Fig. 18, a bottom portion 45b of a support 45 extends radially inward, and the support 45 is substantially L-shaped in cross section along the axial direction. Also in this case, leakage and damping of the vibration can be further reduced. In addition, the size of the vibrating device can be reduced.

[0066] Fig. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a support according to a third embodiment.

[0067] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a support 55 has a substantially rectangular tubular shape and that an outer surface 55c of the support 55 is inclined with respect to the axial direction. Other structures of a vibrating device of this embodiment are the same as those of the vibrating device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0068] The outer periphery of the support 55 has a square shape in plan view. The outer surface 55c of the support 55 has a shape obtained by connecting four trapezoid surfaces. The support 55 has an inner surface 55d having a cylindrical shape as in the first embodiment.

[0069] The outer surface 55c of the support 55 is inclined with respect to the axial direction so that the wall thickness decreases with increasing distance from the bottom portion 55b toward the connecting portion 15a. Accordingly, a portion that is closer to the connecting portion 15a than the bottom portion 55b is more easily deformed than the bottom portion 55b. Therefore, similar to the second embodiment, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 55b of the support 55 can be effectively reduced, and damping of the vibration can also be effectively reduced. The shape of the outer periphery of the support 55 in plan view may instead be, for example, a polygonal shape other than a square shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a circular shape, or a substantially circular shape.

[0070] Although the outer surface 55c of the support 55 is inclined with respect to the axial direction in the present embodiment, the outer surface 55c may instead be step-shaped so that the wall thickness decreases with increasing distance from the bottom portion 55b to the connecting portion 15a. Also in this case, leakage and damping of the vibration can be reduced.

[0071] Fig. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a support according to a fourth embodiment.

[0072] In this embodiment, a support 65 has a shape that differs from that in the first embodiment. Other structures of a vibrating device of the present embodiment are the same as those of the vibrating device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0073] More specifically, the support 65 includes a frame-shaped bottom portion 65b having a square inner periphery and a square outer periphery. One end of a pillar portion 65e is connected to each corner of the bottom portion 65b. The pillar portions 65e extend in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the support 65 is structured such that the pillar portions 65e have a constant wall thickness, which is equal to the wall thickness of the bottom portion 65b. The other end of each pillar portion 65e is connected to a frame-shaped portion 65f. More specifically, the frame-shaped portion 65f has a square outer periphery and a circular inner periphery. Each pillar portion 65e is connected to one of the corners of the frame-shaped portion 65f. The inner periphery of the frame-shaped portion 65f serves as the connecting portion 15a connected to the above-described connecting member 14.

[0074]  The support 65 is structured such that the pillar portions 65e are more easily deformed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction than the frame-shaped bottom portion 65b. Therefore, similar to the second embodiment, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 65b of the support 65 can be effectively reduced, and damping of the vibration can also be effectively reduced. The shape of the outer periphery of the bottom portion 65b and the frame-shaped portion 65f in plan view may instead be, for example, a polygonal shape other than a square shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a circular shape, or a substantially circular shape.

[0075] The pillar portions 65e and the bottom portion 65b of the support 65 do not necessarily have the same wall thickness. A support 75 according to a first modification of the fourth embodiment illustrated in Fig. 21 includes a bottom portion 75b having a wall thickness greater than the wall thickness of the pillar portions 65e. Accordingly, displacement of the bottom portion 75b can be further reduced. Therefore, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 75b can be further reduced, and damping of the vibration can also be further reduced. Although the bottom portion 75b extends outward in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction in this modification, the bottom portion 75b may instead extend inward in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0076] Although the pillar portions 65e of the support 65 illustrated in Fig. 20 have a constant wall thickness, the pillar portions 65e are not limited to this. In a second modification of the fourth embodiment illustrated in Fig. 22, pillar portions 76e of a support 76 are substantially right triangular in cross section along the axial direction. The wall thickness of each pillar portion 76e decreases with increasing distance from the bottom portion 76b toward the connecting portion 15a. Accordingly, portions that are closer to the connecting portion 15a than the bottom portion 76b are more easily deformed than the bottom portion 76b. Therefore, similar to the third embodiment, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 76b of the support 76 can be effectively reduced, and damping of the vibration can also be effectively reduced.

[0077] Fig. 23 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of a support according to a fifth embodiment.

[0078] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an outer surface 85c and an inner surface 85d of a support 85 are wave-shaped. Other structures of a vibrating device of the present embodiment are the same as those of the vibrating device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0079] The outer surface 85c and the inner surface 85d of the support 85 are curved and wave-shaped. More specifically, the outer surface 85c is wave-shaped such that the outer diameter thereof repeatedly increases with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion and then decreases with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion. The inner surface 85d is wave-shaped such that the inner diameter thereof repeatedly increases with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion and then decreases with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion. The support 85 is shaped such that the wall thickness thereof repeatedly increases with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion and then decreases with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion.

[0080] Since the outer surface 85c and the inner surface 85d of the support 85 are wave-shaped, the spring ' characteristics of a portion of the support 85 that is closer to the connecting portion than the bottom portion can be enhanced. Therefore, displacement of the support 85 as a whole can be reduced, and displacement of the bottom portion of the support 85 can be reduced accordingly. Thus, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion can be effectively reduced, and damping of the vibration can also be effectively reduced.

[0081] Portions of the outer surface 85c of the support 85 at which the outer diameter of the support 85 starts to decrease after increasing with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion are referred to as crests. Portions at which the outer diameter starts to increase after decreasing with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion are referred to as troughs. Portions of the inner surface 85d of the support 85 at which the inner diameter of the support 85 starts to increase after decreasing with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion are referred to as crests. Portions at which the inner diameter starts to decrease after increasing with increasing distance from the bottom portion toward the connecting portion are referred to as troughs. The crests of the outer surface 85c and the crests of the inner surface 85d are preferably at the same positions in the axial direction. Similarly, the troughs of the outer surface 85c and the troughs of the inner surface 85d are preferably at the same positions in the axial direction. In such a case, the spring characteristics of the support 85 can be appropriately enhanced.

[0082] The shape of the support 85 in cross section along the axial direction is preferably line-symmetric about a symmetry axis that extends in the axial direction. In such a case, the spring characteristics can be effectively enhanced.

[0083] The outer surface 85c and the inner surface 85d of the support 85 may be linear and wave-shaped. Also in this case, the spring characteristics can be enhanced, and leakage and damping of the vibration can be reduced.

[0084] Fig. 24 is a schematic elevational cross-sectional view of a portion of a support according to a sixth embodiment.

[0085] This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that an outer surface 95c and an inner surface 95d of a support 95 are both step-shaped. Other structures of a vibrating device of the present embodiment are the same as those of the vibrating device according to the second embodiment.

[0086] The support 95 is bent at a plurality of portions in the shape of steps. More specifically, the support 95 includes portions extending in the axial direction and portions extending in the radial direction that are alternately connected. Accordingly, the spring characteristics of the support 95 can be enhanced. Therefore, similar to the fifth embodiment, leakage and damping of the vibration can be reduced.

[0087] In addition, the support 95 is structured such that the wall thickness of the bottom portion 95b is greater than the wall thickness of the portions extending in the axial direction. Accordingly, similar to the second embodiment, displacement of the bottom portion 95b can be further reduced. Therefore, leakage of the vibration to the bottom portion 95b can be further reduced, and damping of the vibration can also be further reduced.

Reference Signs List

[0088] 

1

vibrating device

2

vibrating element

3

vibrating body

3a

first opening end surface

3b

second opening end surface

3c

outer surface

3d

inner surface

4

first vibrating portion

5

second vibrating portion

6

joining portion

7

light transmitting body

8

piezoelectric vibrator

8a

piezoelectric body

9a

first electrode

9b

second electrode

10

imaging device

10A

image pickup device

14

connecting member

15

support

15a

connecting portion

15b

bottom portion

15c

outer surface

15d

inner surface

24

connecting member

27

lid body

35

support

35b

bottom portion

45

support

45b

bottom portion

55

support

55b

bottom portion

55c

outer surface

55d

inner surface

65

support

65b

bottom portion

65e

pillar portion

65f

frame-shaped portion

75

support

75b

bottom portion

76

support

76b

bottom portion

76e

pillar portion

85

support

85c

outer surface

85d

inner surface

95

support

95b

bottom portion

95c

outer surface

95d

inner surface

Claims

1. A vibrating device comprising:

a vibrating element including a vibrating body that is tubular and has a first opening end surface and a second opening end surface;

a support that extends in an axial direction and supports the vibrating body, the axial direction being a direction connecting the first opening end surface and the second opening end surface of the vibrating body; and

a connecting member that connects the vibrating body and the support to each other,

wherein the vibrating body vibrates in a breathing vibration mode such that a first node and a second node are generated on the vibrating element at different positions in the axial direction, and

wherein the connecting member is positioned between the first node and the second node.

2. The vibrating device according to Claim 1, wherein the first node is positioned on the vibrating body, and
wherein a vibrational displacement of the vibrating body in the axial direction at a position at which the connecting member is connected is less than or equal to 40% of a vibrational displacement of the vibrating body in the axial direction at a position of the first node.

3. The vibrating device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the vibrating element includes a piezoelectric vibrator that vibrates the vibrating body.

4. The vibrating device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the support includes a connecting portion connected to the connecting member and a bottom portion, and
wherein a portion of the support that is closer to the connecting portion than the bottom portion is more easily deformed than the bottom portion.

5. The vibrating device according to Claim 4, wherein when a wall thickness is a thickness in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction, the bottom portion of the support has a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of other portions, and the support is substantially L-shaped in cross section along the axial direction.

6. The vibrating device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the vibrating body, the connecting member, and the support are made of same material.

7. The vibrating device according to Claim 6, wherein the vibrating body, the connecting member, and the support are made of a metal material.

8. The vibrating device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the vibrating element includes a lid body provided on the first opening end surface of the vibrating body.

9. The vibrating device according to Claim 8, wherein the lid body has a light-transmitting property.

10. An optical detection apparatus comprising:

the vibrating device according to Claim 9; and

an optical detection element disposed such that the lid body of the vibrating device covers a detection region of the optical detection element.

11. The optical detection apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein the optical detection element is an image pickup device, and the detection region is a field of view.

Drawing